All About Pretzels...

What is a Pretzel?

Pretzels are salty, knotted snacks. They are usually twisted into a unique knot-like shape and made from wheat flour with yeast then dipped in lye water before baking.

Where do Pretzels come from?

Around 610 A.D. in Southern France or Northern Italy a monk was preparing unleavened bread for Lent, the Christian period of fasting and penitence before Easter. He fixed it into a knot shape and voila, the pretzel was born. It is believed the inspiration for the knot shape was an homage to Christians of the day who prayed with their arms folded across their chests.

Children especially enjoyed this new creation and were given it for their morning prayers. Pretzel's popularity soon spread and they became a symbol of good luck, long life and prosperity.

The American Pretzel

Legend has it that the first American pretzel came with the pilgrims on the Mayflower and that the pilgrims sold the pretzel to the Indians - perhaps it was even enjoyed at the first Thanksgiving.

Most people associate Pennsylvania with pretzels and assume that's where they originated, though this is not the case. Americans have, however, given the pretzel their own unique touch; the American pretzel is crispy and hard and can be stored for longer (as opposed to the soft German pretzels).

According to Snyders of Hanover (a famous American pretzel maker), by 1960, pretzel sales had reached $92 million and were the fourth most popular snack in America and were especially savored with beer. Pennsylvania is still the heart of America 's pretzel industry.

Snyder's Pretzels

The famed Snyder's of Hanover started their business in 1909 with their Olde Tyme Pretzels. Snyder's opened their second location in Berlin (Pennsylvania - not Germany) in 1948.

Snyder's have created many innovative variations on the original pretzel such as their flavored pretzel pieces, Nibblers and the flavored Hard Pretzel, Pumpernickel & Onion. As a low fat treat, they surged in popularity during the low fat craze in the US in the 1980's and 90's.

Make a request to the USA Gopher now to buy some Pretzels on your behalf.

If you want large quantities you can visit Snyder's and order directly from them as they sell by the caseload.

• Pumpernickel & Onion Sticks
• 12 Multigrain Sticks
• Honey wheat sticks
• Carb-fix Pretzels
• Pretzels Sandwiches
• Pretzel Snack Mix
• Flavored Pretzel Pieces (have you tried the hot jalapeño?)
• Sourdough pretzels
• Flavored Pretzel nibblers
• Unsalted Pretzels
• Homestyle Pretzels
• Pretzel Rods
• Snaps and Butter Snap Pretzels
• Dipping Sticks
• Pretzel Sticks